Notes:

According to Luke there were "many" others who had attempted to put the gospel testimony together in to one concise written declaration that had brought their efforts before the counsel of which Dr. Luke was a part of. Luke was inspired by these to produce a more complete work of his own having followed and been frequent companion to several of the original Apostles (primarily Paul) and heard their testimony. It was felt that his effort of long time personal inquiry would not only deliver certainty to the factual events depicted hereafter but also certainty to the source of this information, him being who he was, known as he surely was to the early church fathers.

Canonized scripture often receives the criticism that there are other gospel attempts not included in the authorized canon known of even today and yet Luke fully acknowledges their presence from the start of his gospel describing them rather as not having the certainty that a scholarly Theophilus would expect or perhaps even accept for consideration. Intellectually, it is perfectly reasonable for us today to expect the same, that while there are multitudes of additional accounts that can and could be considered there are but few perhaps only four with strong certainty have the rigor of fact and known source required by the most the intellectually honest of present/future inquirers.

It is not a bad thing that there are so many accounts, in fact it further proves that these many witnesses did exist and these events were well known and published and that the people of that time were interested in more in depth information. It however should also be reasoned that not all of these other attempts came from divine inspiration, but likely from outsiders with personal/corporate slants against the truest entrusted Apostolic message and/or early church.

Key Messages: Declaring the Certainty

kjv@2Peter:1:16@ For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

kjv@2Peter:1:17@ For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

kjv@2Peter:1:18@ And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

kjv@2Peter:1:19@ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

kjv@Hebrews:4:12@ For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

kjv@2Timothy:3:15@ And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

kjv@2Timothy:3:16@ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: